Trail Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard did broach the general subject, telling reporters in Portland that "I think you limit yourself if you just say you're just going after free agents.

There's so many other opportunities. And with our cap space ($7.7 million) we're one of the few remaining teams that have cap space so you gotta be creative in how you use it. When the right deal comes, we'll know."

Pritchard did acknowledge interest in Millsap, but indicated no formal offer had been made.

"We're looking at all our options," he said Thursday, according to the Oregonian. "I wouldn't just say we're just looking at (Millsap). We are talking with him, that I can verify. But he's not the only person we're talking to. But we're selective.

"And the thing I would tell you is, it's just not a fit here anymore. It's a special fit.

And so we're very selective and I know a lot of free agents have signed with other teams and that's OK with us. Because we feel that there are certain guys that are right for us and some that don't fit."

Millsap's representative, DeAngelo Simmons, did not respond to a call seeking comment on Portland's interest in his client.

If things don't work out between the Blazers and Millsap, multiple reports suggested Thursday, Portland could turn its attention to other free agents, including Dallas power forward Brandon Bass.

As for the trade possibility, ESPN.com reporters Marc Stein and Chad Ford wrote that "despite fresh reports Thursday about the Blazers weighing whether to sign Millsap to an offer sheet, Hinrich is the player Portland prefers, according to one source close to the process."

ESPN.com also reported that "for a time Wednesday, sources say Chicago was committed to participate in the four-team deal that ultimately sent Shawn Marion to Dallas.

"One source said that the Bulls pulled Thomas out of that deal Wednesday night to plug him into another trade, but there was no clear indication Thursday if that was with Boozer in mind or if the Bulls have other plans for him."

e-mail: tbuckley@desnews.com